WO2010112568A1

WO2010112568A1 - Sole unit for footwear and footwear provided therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2010112568A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/054359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stane Nabernik
Original assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-04-01
Filing date: 2010-03-31
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: CN102378583A; KR20120018140A; EP2413728B1; AU2010230187B2; US20130036631A1; KR101457757B1; DE102009015890A1; UA105522C2; JP2012522551A; EP2413728A1; AU2010230187A1; RU2499536C2; CN102378583B; CA2755855C; CA2755855A1; RU2011144094A; JP5540069B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-vapor-permeable sole unit (15) comprising an outsole layer (41) that is constructed with an outsole material and that is possibly composed of a plurality of parts and/or provided with outsole parts arranged thereunder, wherein the thickness of the outsole layer is reduced within a peripheral area by means of a recess (43) extending from the top of the outsole layer (41), and the outsole layer is provided with outsole layer through-openings (45) extending through the thickness thereof. The sole unit (15) comprises a water-vapor-permeable barrier layer (47) that is arranged at least partially in the recess (43) of the outsole layer (41) and that extends only over a partial height of the recess (43), wherein the water-vapor-permeable barrier layer is constructed with a barrier material designed against the penetration of foreign bodies. The sole unit (15) comprises a water-vapor-permeable comfort layer (49) that is arranged above the barrier layer (47) in the recess (43) and that is constructed with a comfort layer material that has a lower hardness and/or a lower specific weight than the outsole material.

Description

Sohieneinheit for footwear and thus provided footwear

For a long time there has been footwear with a waterproof and water vapor permeable shaft, so that ^' such shoes can deliver sweat moisture despite water resistance in the shaft area. So that even in the sole region sweat moisture can escape, it has gone over to a sole structure, which has an outsole with through-thickness extending through openings and above a waterproof and water vapor permeable sole functional layer, for example in the form of a membrane. An example is shown in EP 0 382 904 A2, whose outsole has passage openings in the form of micro perforations, with a corresponding limitation of the water vapor permeability.

In order better to take account of the pronounced sweating tendency of the human foot, EP 0 275 644 A2 has proposed providing the outsole with large through openings in comparison with microperforations in order to achieve a particularly high permeability to water vapor.

The larger the through-holes of the outsole, the greater the danger that a waterproof membrane located above the through-holes of the outsole will be damaged by foreign bodies, such as pebbles, which penetrate the through-openings and thus deprived of their watertightness. Therefore, EP 0 275 644 A2 provides that between the outsole with its through-openings and the membrane above it a protective layer is arranged, for example, of a mesh or felt material, which prevents the foreign bodies penetrating the through-openings of the outsole from penetrating to the membrane ,

Further examples with large through holes of the outsole, in which the passage openings are closed by means of a membrane against the penetration of water to the shoe interior and below the membrane is a protective layer which prevents the penetration of foreign bodies to the membrane. are known from WO 2004/028284 A1, WO 2006/010578 A1, WO 2007/147421 A1 and WO 2008/003375 A1. In all these cases, on one side of the membrane, usually a film, a textile backing is laminated in the form of a fine knit fabric. An arranged between the membrane and through holes of the outsole net-like protective layer provides some protection against the penetration of foreign bodies to the membrane. To improve the protection for the membrane, a further protective layer is arranged between the membrane and the net-like protective layer, which is, for example, a felt layer. Thus, a double protection for the membrane is created, in which two superimposed layers are involved, each of which has a technical protection function.

The choice of material for these layers as well as their thickness and puncture resistance values are to be adapted to the requirements of the respective practical embodiment. This applies to the known solutions as well as for the solutions presented with the present invention.

Another example of very large sole openings is shown in WO 2007/101624 A1, according to which the large through openings of the outsole are stabilized by means of stabilizing webs and / or stabilizing gratings. These wear in the through holes fitted water vapor permeable, textile material, such as felt-like material. The shoe sole composite constructed in this way is connected to a shaft whose shaft bottom is closed by a watertight and water vapor permeable shaft bottom functional layer, so that the entire shoe is waterproof and permeable to water vapor.

Particularly suitable for the textile material is a fiber layer which has at least two fiber components which differ in their melting temperatures, at least a portion of a first fiber component having a first melting temperature and a first softening temperature range below it and at least a portion of a second fibrous component second melting temperature and an underlying second softening temperature range and the first melting temperature and the first extension The temperature of the fiber layer is higher than the second melting temperature and the second softening temperature range, and wherein the fiber layer is mechanically thermally solidified due to thermal activation of the second fiber component having an adhesive softening temperature in the second softening temperature range, while maintaining water vapor permeability in the thermally solidified region. In this case, either the passage opening or optionally a plurality of passage openings of the outsole can be closed with individual pieces of the textile material or all passage openings of the outsole are closed with a single piece of the textile material.

In this known footwear, the textile material has two functions. On the one hand, it serves to stabilize the sole structure, in particular in view of the fact that an outsole with large openings itself can not sufficiently contribute to the stabilization of the sole structure. Because the textile material is formed with a relatively high inherent stability, which benefits the overall stability of the sole structure. On the other hand, in the finished footwear, for example according to WO 2007/101624 A1, a waterproof, water vapor permeable membrane is provided above the sole structure which is protected by the textile material against damage by foreign bodies such as pebbles which could damage the membrane.

Particularly suitable for the textile material are polymers which are selected, for example, from PES (polyester), polypropylene, PA (polyamide) and mixtures of polymers.

In one embodiment according to the already mentioned WO 2007/101624 A1, the textile material consists of a fiber composite in the form of a thermally bonded mechanically and additionally surface-bonded by thermal surface treatment fleece with two fiber components, which are each constructed with polyester fibers. In this case, the first fiber component with the higher melting temperature forms a carrier component of the fiber composite and forms the second fiber component with the lower melting temperature. fastening component. In order to ensure a temperature stability of the entire fiber composite of at least 18O ⁰ C, and in view of the fact that footwear can be exposed to relatively high temperatures during its production, for example, when molding an outsole, in the considered embodiment for both fiber components polyester fibers with a above 180 ⁰ C lying melting temperature used. There are several variations of polyester polymers that have different melting temperatures and corresponding underlying softening temperatures. In the embodiment under consideration, the felt-like material, a poly esterpolymer is selected having a melt temperature of about 23O ⁰ C for the first component, whereas for the second fiber component is a polyester polymer having a melting temperature of about 200 ⁰ C is selected. The second fiber component may be a core-sheath fiber, the core of this fiber consisting of a polyester having a softening temperature of about 23O ⁰ C and the sheath of this fiber of polyester having an adhesive softening temperature of about 200 ⁰ C. Such a fiber component with two fiber portions of different melting temperature is also referred to as "Bico". Further details of such textile material, which may be, for example, felt-like material, can be found in the already mentioned WO 2007/101624 A1

In the accompanying Figure 11, there is shown a sole unit 115 to be improved, comprising an outsole 117 provided with outsole openings 119 for obtaining a high water vapor permeability, and a barrier layer 121 forming the top of the outsole 117 in the area of the outsole openings 119 for mechanical protection a watertight, water vapor permeable shaft bottom membrane of a shoe assembly to be connected to the sole unit 115 is used in the finished shoe above this barrier layer 121. Soles of this type are usually glued or molded to the shaft assembly. For obtaining high abrasion resistance and sole stability, materials such as rubber or plastic, for example polyurethane (PU), which are relatively hard and heavy materials, are used. This affects the carrying and walking comfort. In addition, the outsole passage openings 119 extend over a re- relatively high height, so that in the outsole passage openings 119 settling dirt is difficult to remove.

JP 9-140404 A discloses a shoe which is watertight in the sole region and has a shaft arrangement with a shaft bottom which has a waterproof, water vapor permeable element and a composite sole permeable to water and water vapor with a perforated outsole layer. The watertight, water-vapor-permeable element has a three-layered design and contains as a central layer a watertight membrane permeable to water vapor, on the upper side of which a fine-meshed textile layer is arranged and on the underside of which a coarse-meshed textile layer is located, if this is not mentioned in this publication is - may provide some mechanical protection for the usually sensitive membrane against destructive action, for example by foreign bodies such as pebbles, which have penetrated the perforation of the outsole layer. Between the outsole layer and a sole-side lower shaft end region there is a midsole, which is formed only circumferentially and is replaced by a material such as cork or sponge for weight reduction in a central region. Apart from the fact that cork tends to crumble, thus in turn can lead to the mechanical loading of the sensitive membranes, and sponge but also cork can suck through the perforations of the outsole layer with water, which not only worsens the walking comfort but also to a leads cork and sponge materials whose water vapor permeability is relatively low in relation to a perforated outsole layer, especially in perforation by means of large sized through holes, and thus a water vapor permeability, as can be achieved with a perforated with large through holes outsole layer, opposes. If one were to provide the cork or sponge layer with through openings which correspond to the through holes of the outsole layer, dirt could settle on the one hand dirt over the relatively large total length of the respective outsole layer through hole and the corresponding through hole of the cork or sponge and very difficult again corresponds On the other hand, foreign objects such as pebbles could penetrate unhindered to the coarse-meshed textile layer, which offers only relatively little mechanical protection. Even such foreign bodies, which do not penetrate the coarse-meshed textile layer, could, however, lead to a high arching of the coarse-meshed textile layer that locally loads the membrane to be protected.

The present invention provides a sole unit for footwear which, at the same time as improving comfort due to lighter weight and / or increased shock absorption, provides better mechanical protection for a waterproof and water vapor permeable functional layer, for example in the form of a membrane, located above the sole unit, with easier removability of dirt stuck in sole holes.

This is achieved with a sole unit according to the invention according to patent claim 1, with which inventive footwear according to claim 23 can be produced. Embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

A water vapor permeable sole unit according to the invention has an outsole layer constructed with an outsole material, possibly formed from a plurality of sections and / or with outsole parts disposed thereunder, which reduces in thickness within a peripheral region by means of a recess extending from a top surface of the outsole layer opposite a running surface of the sole unit is provided by their thickness extending outsole layer passage openings. In addition, this sole unit has a at least partially disposed in the recess of the outsole layer, extending over only a partial height of the recess extending water vapor-permeable barrier layer, which is constructed with a formed against a pushing against foreign bodies barrier material. In addition, this sole unit has a water vapor permeable comfort layer arranged above the barrier layer in the recess, which is provided with a comfort layer. constructed terial, which has a lower hardness and / or a lower specific weight than the outsole material.

The sole unit according to the invention is preferably designed for connection to a sole-side lower end region of a shaft arrangement which has a shaft bottom provided with a watertight, water-vapor-permeable functional layer.

The fact that a part of the volume of the recess of the outsole layer is replaced by the material of the comfort layer, which is not subject to the abrasion resistance conditions of outsole material and does not contribute to the same extent as outsole material for sole stabilization, you can depending on whether you have a sole unit with want to achieve lighter weight and / or with better shock absorption, choose for the material of the comfort layer lighter and / or softer elastic material than for the outsole layer. So you have for a part of the sole unit in terms of weight and / or pedal comfort freedom in terms of material selection, which is not given for the material of the outsole layer.

In the solution according to the invention, there is a distance between the shaft bottom membrane and the barrier layer. That is, in principle, the comfort layer separates the shaft bottom diaphragm and the barrier layer from each other.

Since the barrier layer is disposed between the outsole layer and the comfort layer, that is, at a distance from the shaft bottom membrane located above the sole unit in the finished shoe and interposing the comfort layer between the barrier layer and the shaft bottom membrane, the barrier layer can advantageously be made of a much coarser and / or more robust and possibly build rougher material than if the barrier layer were in the immediate vicinity of the shaft bottom membrane. Because the comfort layer located between the barrier layer and shaft bottom membrane, which is made of relatively soft material, especially when a good cushioning is to be achieved can provide, the shaft bottom membrane against a coarse and / or rough barrier layer padding protection. Therefore, the barrier layer may even be made of a material having such a rigidity that it can contribute to the stabilization of the sole unit, in particular if soft comfort layer material is used to obtain a good cushioning effect.

In particular, when the barrier material is also formed to stabilize the sole unit, in one embodiment of the invention, a thermally consolidated fiber material of a degree of solidification which allows a high water vapor permeability is used as the barrier material. Such barrier material therefore need not be provided with through openings. And even if one provides this fiber material to increase the water vapor permeability through holes, these through holes can be quite small in relation to the through holes of the outsole layer and possibly comfort layer when the comfort layer consists of a per se water vapor impermeable material. In any event, the barrier layer forms a dirt barrier for debris entering the outsole ply penetrations against intrusion into the comfort ply apertures. That is, such debris can settle comparatively little higher only in the outsole loci through holes so that it can be removed much more easily than with sole constructions in which the apertures extend through the overall thickness of the sole unit. This is especially true for the heel area, where soles usually have a larger overall thickness.

In one embodiment, below the comfort position, a so-called "joint piece" may be arranged or even integrated in the comfort layer, which is particularly needed for shoes with a heel to give the shoe the necessary torsional and bending stability be manufactured and have sharp edges, which in turn can potentially damage the membrane in the shaft bottom area.This danger is not given in this embodiment, the comfort situation Hinge be designed so that the water vapor passage through the sole unit is impaired as little as possible.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is constructed with a material permeable to water vapor. Its water vapor permeability can be set so high that perforations of the comfort situation is not required.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is constructed with a material selected from the group of materials leather, open cell foam material, water vapor permeable textile knitted fabric, water vapor permeable textile nonwoven fabric and water vapor permeable felted goods and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is constructed with a multi-ply knitted fabric with staggered stitches. By this multi-layer with simultaneous displacement of the meshes of the individual layers against each other can be at high water vapor permeability a good mechanical penetration barrier for foreign bodies such as stone chen, and to a certain extent also nails, shards or the like, and thus a high mechanical protection of a reach the sole unit located shaft bottom membrane against damage by such foreign body.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is constructed with a moisture vapor permeable textile material which is at least partially selected from the material group polyamide, polyester and polypropylene plastic material.

In particular, when the comfort layer is constructed with a material which is not per se permeable to water vapor, in one embodiment of the invention the comfort layer is provided with comfort layers extending through the thickness thereof. provided through openings which overlap at least partially with the running sole passage openings. The highest total water vapor permeability is achieved for the sole unit when as many of the outsole layer passage openings and the comfort layer passage openings are equal and aligned with each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is constructed with a material selected from the material group polyurethane (PU) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which may also be foamed material. When it comes to a particularly good cushioning of the sole unit, so on a soft elastic comfort layer material, in the case of using PU from the PU spectrum, a soft elastic type or known for its soft elastic properties EVA can be selected. In particular, if it, alone or in addition, depends on low weight of the sole unit, a foamed plastic material can be selected for the comfort position. Finally, the comfort layer can also be designed as a classic midsole, which can be visible laterally from the outside on the sole.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer passage openings extend with respect to a running surface of the sole unit at such an oblique angle through the comfort layer that oblique wall portions of the comfort layer passage openings, which oppose the penetration of foreign bodies. In this design of the comfort layer passage openings, the comfort layer in turn acts as a barrier against the penetration of foreign bodies to a shaft bottom membrane located above the sole unit.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of at least 0.5 cm ² of the outsole ply apertures and / or the comfort layer apertures. However, the outsole layer passage openings and / or the comfort layer through openings may also have a larger area, namely at least an area of at least 1 cm ² or also at least 5 cm ² , or an area of at least 20 cm ² , or an area of at least 40 cm ² .

In one embodiment, the comfort alga has water vapor permeability in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In this embodiment, the comfort layer can also be formed with lateral openings to the outside, wherein at least one remaining sole layer of the sole unit designed according to, for example, provided with lateral outlet openings.

In one embodiment of the invention, the comfort layer is formed with an air-permeable at least in the vertical direction layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure. In addition, this distance structure can also be permeable to air in the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment of the invention, the air permeable spacer structure is constructed with a sheet and a plurality of spaced apart from the sheet perpendicular and / or at an angle between 0 ° and 90 ° extending distance elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, the spacer elements of the spacer structure are formed as nubs.

In one embodiment of the invention, the air-permeable spacer structure is constructed with two planar structures arranged parallel to one another and the two flat structures are connected to one another in an air-permeable manner by means of the spacer elements and kept at a distance.

In one embodiment of the invention, the spacing bids are constructed with a consolidated knit. In one embodiment of the invention, the spacers are wave-shaped or sawtooth-shaped.

In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier layer is designed for mechanical stabilization of the sole unit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier layer is constructed with a fiber composite having at least two fiber components which differ in their melting temperature. Here, at least a portion of a first fiber component has a first melting temperature and an underlying first softening temperature range, and at least a portion of a second fiber component has a second melting temperature and an underlying second softening temperature range, and the first melting temperature and the first softening temperature range are higher than the second melting temperature and the second softening temperature range. In this case, the fiber composite is thermally solidified due to thermal activation of the second fiber component with a lying in the second softening temperature range adhesive softening temperature while maintaining water vapor permeability in the thermally bonded area.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outsole layer is constructed with a material selected from the group of materials rubber, PU (polyurethane), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), TR (technical rubber) and leather or combinations thereof is selected. It is considered that the outsole layer should have a good abrasion resistance. Thermoplastic polyurethane is the generic term for a large number of different polyurethanes, which can have different properties. For an outsole, a thermoplastic polyurethane can be selected, which in addition to high abrasion resistance has a high stability and skid resistance. If the comfort situation for the user of the shoe is to effect a shock absorption during the walking movements, correspondingly elastically yielding material, for example EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate) or PU (polyurethane) can be selected. In one embodiment, the outsole layer does not form the tread having an actual outsole but only a midsole and is located below the outsole layer an additional actual outsole, for example rubber or other sole material, which may be formed integrally or from several Laufsoh- leteilen. These actual outsole or outsole parts should have a high abrasion resistance.

The invention also provides footwear comprising a shaft assembly having a shaft bottom provided with a shaft bottom functional layer and thus waterproof and permeable to water vapor, and a sole unit connected to a sole end region of the shaft assembly according to at least one of said embodiments.

In one embodiment of the invention, the shank of the footwear is provided with a shank functional layer that is watertightly bonded to the shank bottom functional layer so that the footwear as a whole is waterproof and permeable to water vapor.

One embodiment of the invention provides footwear having a sole unit provided with a comfort layer according to the invention and a shaft provided with a watertight and water vapor permeable shaft bottom functional layer in a sole side shaft end region, the sole unit being provided at the shaft end region of the shaft arrangement provided with the shaft bottom functional layer is fastened, that the shaft bottom functional layer is unconnected to the comfort position at least in the region of the comfort position through openings. The latter provides a particularly high water vapor permeability because in the region of the comfort layer through openings no adhesive between the comfort layer and the shaft bottom functional layer is present, which would lead to a reduction of the water vapor permeability.

In one embodiment of the invention, the footwear, in addition to the shaft bottom functional layer within a water vapor permeable upper shaft material, has a shaft functional layer extending over a substantial portion of the upper upper material which engages with the shaft bottom functional layer is connected watertight or connected with this to a sock-like use (also called bootie).

Such footwear is (with the exception of Fußeinschlüpföffnung) completely waterproof, yet water vapor permeable.

Definitions and test methods

Footwear:

Footwear with a closed top (shaft assembly) having a foot insertion opening and having at least one sole or sole unit.

Shaft upper: a material that forms the outside of the shaft of the shaft assembly and is made of, for example, leather, a textile, plastic or other known materials, and combinations thereof or constructed therewith, and is generally made of water vapor permeable material. The sole-side lower end of the upper upper material forms an area adjacent to the upper edge of the sole or sole unit or above a boundary plane between the upper and sole or sole unit.

Mounting sole (insole): a mounting sole is part of the shaft bottom. At least one sole-side lower shaft end region is fastened to the mounting sole.

Sole:

A shoe has at least one outsole, but may also have several types of sole layers which are arranged one above the other and form a sole unit. Sole:

Outsole means the part of the sole area that touches the ground / subfloor or establishes the main contact with the ground / subfloor. The outsole has at least one tread contacting the ground.

Bootie:

Bootie is a sock-like inner lining of a shaft arrangement. A bootie forms a baggy lining of the shaft assembly which substantially completely covers the interior of the footwear.

Functional layer:

Waterproof and / or water vapor permeable layer, for example in the form of a membrane or a suitably treated or finished material, e.g. a textile with plasma treatment. The functional layer may form at least one layer of a shaft bottom of the shaft arrangement in the form of a shaft bottom functional layer, but may additionally be provided as a shaft functional layer at least partially lining the shaft. Both the shank functional layer and the shank bottom functional layer may be part of a multilayer, usually two-, three- or four-ply membrane laminate. The shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer may each be part of a functional layer bootie. If, instead of a functional layer bootie, a shank functional layer and a separate shaft bottom functional layer are used, they are sealed against each other in a watertight manner, for example, in the sole-side lower region of the shank arrangement. Shank bottom functional layer and shaft functional layer may be formed of different or the same material.

Suitable materials for the waterproof, water-vapor-permeable functional layer are, in particular, polyurethane, polypropylene and polyesters, including polyether esters and their laminates, as described in the printed publications US Pat. No. 4,725,418 and US Pat. No. 4,493,870. In one embodiment, the Functional layer constructed with microporous, stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), as described for example in the publications US-A-3,953,566 and US-A-4,187,390, In one embodiment, the functional layer with stretched polytetrafluoroethylene, which with hydrophilic impregnating agents and / or hydrophilic layers is provided, built; See, for example, document US-A-4,194,041. A microporous functional layer is understood as meaning a functional layer whose average pore size is between approximately 0.2 μm and approximately 0.3 μm.

laminate:

Laminate is a composite consisting of several layers which are permanently bonded together, generally by mutual bonding. In the case of a functional layer laminate, a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer is provided with at least one textile layer. The at least one textile layer, also called the side, serves mainly to protect the functional layer during its processing. This is called a 2-layer laminate. A 3-layer laminate consists of a waterproof, water-vapor-permeable functional layer, which is embedded between two textile layers. The connection between the functional layer and the at least one textile layer takes place, for example, by means of a continuous water-vapor-permeable adhesive layer or by means of a discontinuous adhesive layer of non-water vapor-permeable adhesive. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied in the form of a dot-like pattern between the functional layer and the one or both textile layers. The punctiform or discontinuous application of the adhesive takes place because a full-surface layer of an adhesive which is not itself permeable to water vapor would block the water vapor permeability of the functional layer.

Barrier layer: A barrier layer serves as a barrier against the penetration of substances, in particular in the form of particles or foreign bodies, for example pebbles, to a material layer to be protected, in particular to a mechanically sensitive functional layer or functional layer membrane. Waterproof:

The term "waterproof" is taken to mean a functional layer / functional layer laminate / membrane, if appropriate including seams provided on the functional layer / functional layer laminate / membrane, if it ensures a water inlet pressure of at least 1 × 10 4 Pa. Preferably, the functional layer material ensures a water inlet pressure of over 1x105 Pa. The water inlet pressure shall be measured by a test method in which distilled water is applied at 20 ± 2 ° C to a sample of 100 cm2 of the functional layer with increasing pressure. The pressure increase of the water is 60 ± 3 cm Ws per minute. The water inlet pressure then corresponds to the pressure at which water first appears on the other side of the sample. Details of the procedure are specified in the ISO standard 0811 from the year 1981.

Whether a shoe is waterproof can e.g. are tested with a centrifuge arrangement of the type described in US-A-5,329,807.

Wasserdampfdurchlässiq:

A material, in particular a functional layer / a functional layer laminate, is regarded as "permeable to water vapor" if it has a water vapor permeability coefficient Ret of less than 150 m 2 ^χ Pa ^χ W-1. The water vapor permeability is tested according to the Hohenstein skin model. This test method is described in DIN EN 31092 (02/94) or ISO 11092 (1993).

The water vapor permeability values of the layers of a sole unit according to the invention, namely the outsole layer, the barrier layer and the comfort layer, are tested with the aid of the so-called cup method according to DIN EN ISO 15496 (09/2004).

In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier layer has a water vapor permeability of at least 4,000 g / m ² '24 h. In practical embodiment men is selected a water vapor permeability of at least 7,000 g / m * 24 h or even 10,000 g / m ^2- 24 h.

In one embodiment of footwear having a shoe bottom structure having a sole unit and a shaft bottom functional layer laminate disposed thereon, the sole structure together with the shaft bottom functional layer or the shaft bottom functional layer laminate has a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) in the range of zero , 4 g / h to 3 g / h, which may be in the range of 0.8 g / h to 1, 5 g / h and in a practical embodiment, 1 g / h.

The degree of water vapor permeability of the sole unit can be determined by the method of measurement given in document EP 0 396 716 B1, which was designed to measure the water vapor permeability of an entire shoe. For measuring the water vapor permeability of only the sole unit of a shoe, the measuring method according to EP 0 396 716 B1 can also be used by measuring with the measurement setup shown in FIG. 1 of EP 0 396 716 B1 in two consecutive measurement scenarios, namely once the shoe with a water-vapor permeable sole unit and another time the otherwise identical shoe with a water vapor impermeable sole unit. From the difference between the two measured values, the proportion of water vapor permeability can then be determined, which is based on the water vapor permeability of the water vapor permeable sole unit.

For each measurement scenario, the procedure according to EP 0 396 716 B1 is used, namely with the following sequence of steps:

1. Condition the shoe by leaving it in an air-conditioned room (23 ⁰ C, 50% relative humidity) for at least 12 hours.

2. Removal of the insole (footbed)

3. Lining of the shoe with a waterproof, water vapor permeable lining material adapted to the shoe interior, which is in the The area of Fußeinschlüpföffnung the shoe with a waterproof, waterproof vapor-tight sealing plug (for example made of Plexiglas and with an inflatable cuff) waterproof and water-vapor tight sealable. 4. pouring water into the lining material and closing the

Foot insertion opening of the shoe with the sealing plug

5. preconditioning the water-filled shoe by allowing it to rest for a predetermined period of time (3 hours) while maintaining the temperature of the water constant at 35 ° C. The climate of the surrounding area is also kept constant at 23 ⁰ C and 50% relative humidity. During the test, the shoe is blown on the front by a fan with an average wind speed of at least 2 m / s to 3 m / s (to destroy a stationary layer of air forming around the standing shoe, which would cause considerable resistance to the water vapor passage).

6. re-weighing the seal plug-sealed, water-filled shoe after preconditioning (gives weight m2 [g])

7. rest and test for 3 hours under the same conditions as in step 5. 8. re-weigh the sealed, water-filled shoe

Weight m3 [g]) after the test period of 3 hours

9. Determination of the water vapor permeability of the shoe from the amount of water vapor (m2-m3) [g] escaped through the shoe during the test time of 3 hours according to the relationship M = (m2-m3) [g] / 3 [h]

After both measurement scenarios have been carried out, in which the water vapor permeability values for the entire shoe with water-vapor-permeable sole unit (value A) and for the entire shoe with water-impermeable shaft bottom construction (value B) have been measured, the water vapor permeability value for the water-vapor-permeable sole unit can be determined solely from FIG Determine difference AB.

It is important to avoid during the measurement of the water vapor permeability of the shoe with the water vapor permeable sole unit that the shoe or whose sole is directly on a closed surface. This can be achieved by lifting the shoe or by placing the shoe on a grid construction, so that it is ensured that the ventilation air flow can flow along or completely below the outsole.

5

It makes sense to perform repeat measurements on each test setup for a particular shoe and to look at averages to better assess the measurement spread. At least two measurements should be taken with the test setup for each shoe. For all measurements

10 should be calculated from a natural variation of the measurement results of ± 0.2 g / h by the actual value e.g. 1 g / h are assumed. For this example, measured values of between 0.8 g / h and 1.2 g / h could thus be obtained for the identical shoe. Influencing factors for these fluctuations could, for example, come from the person performing the test or from the sealing quality at the upper edge of the sheep. By averaging several individual readings for the same shoe, a more accurate picture of the actual value can be obtained.

All values for the water vapor permeability of the sole unit are based on a normal laced men's shoe size 43 (French measure), where-o in this size is not standardized and shoes from different manufacturers can turn out differently.

Hardness 5 hardness test according to Shore A and Shore D (DIN 53505, ISO 7619-1, DIN EN ISO 868)

Principle:

The hardness according to Shore is the resistance to the penetration of a certain shape of a body under a defined spring force. The Shore hardness is the difference between the numerical value 100 and the indentation depth of the indenter divided by the scale value 0.025 mm in mm under the effect of the test load.

In the test according to Shore A, a truncated cone with an opening angle of 35 ° is used as the indenter, and in Shore D a cone with an opening angle of 5 30 ° and a tip radius of 0.1 mm. The indenters are made of polished, hardened steel. Measurement equation:

F = 550 + 75HSA F = 445HSD

with h in mm, F in mN. Here: HS the hardness in Shore HSA the hardness in Shore A HSD the hardness in Shore D

Scope of application:

Due to the different resolution of the two Shore hardness processes in different hardness ranges, materials with a Shore A hardness> 80 should be suitably tested to Shore D and materials with a Shore D hardness <30 to Shore A.

Hard scales application

Shore A Soft rubber, very soft plastics

Shore D Hard rubber, soft thermoplastics

The invention will now be further explained by means of embodiments which are merely non-limiting examples of the implementation of the invention. In the accompanying drawings show:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe with a shaft and a water vapor permeable sole unit according to the invention, wherein the sole unit is not yet connected to the shaft;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional partial view of a shoe according to Figure 1 with a first embodiment of a sole unit according to the invention, wherein also the sole unit is not yet connected to the shaft;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional partial view of a shoe according to Figure 1 with a second embodiment of a sole unit according to the invention, wherein also the sole unit is not yet connected to the shaft;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a sole unit according to the invention, which can be connected to the shaft assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a sole unit according to the invention, which can be connected to the shaft assembly shown in Figure 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an air-permeable layer suitable as a comfort layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a suitable as comfort layer air-permeable layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a suitable as comfort layer air-permeable layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a suitable as comfort layer air-permeable layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of an air-permeable layer suitable as a comfort layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure; and

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sole unit to be improved with the present invention, which may also be connected to the shaft assembly shown in Figure 1.

If terms such as top, bottom, right, left, etc. are used, this is always related only to the specific representation in the respective figure and is not absolute.

1 shows a perspective oblique view from below of an embodiment of a shoe 11 according to the invention with a shaft 13 and a sole unit 15 according to the invention. In FIG. 1, the shoe 11 is shown in a mounting step before the sole unit 15 is fastened to the shaft 13. The shoe 11 has a Fußeinschlüpföffnung 17. The particular topography with respect to the running surface of the sole unit 15 with respect to the running surface of the sole unit 15, as shown in FIG. 1, is purely and for example not relevant to the present invention. To obtain a good water vapor permeability of However, the sole unit 15 and thus a good sweat moisture dissipation from the shoe interior via the sole unit 15 are as large as possible Laufsoh- lenlageendurchgangsöffnungen 16 desirable.

As shown in Figure 1, the lower end of the shaft 13 is closed with a shaft bottom 19 before the sole unit 15 is connected to the shaft 13. The shaft bottom 19 is provided with a watertight and water vapor permeable shaft bottom functional layer, for example in the form of a shaft bottom membrane 21 (to be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3). Shaft 13 and shaft bottom 19 formed a shaft assembly 22. In the rain! The shaft bottom membrane is processed in the composite of at least two-ply laminate

The cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which are, for example, cuts through a forefoot area of footwear, show different embodiments which differ from each other not only in the structure of the sole unit 15 but also in the structure of the shaft arrangement.

FIGS. 2 and 3 each depict a shoe in which on the one hand the sole unit 15 is not yet connected to the shaft arrangement 22 and on the other hand the shoe 11 is shown without a footbed. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is designed for a sole injection-molded onto the shaft arrangement 22, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is designed for a sole glued to the shaft arrangement 22. However, this is not important for the present invention and could also be provided in the opposite direction for the embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3, with appropriate adaptation of the sealing measures.

The shank arrangements 22 of the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 each have a shaft 13 with a shaft upper material 23 permeable to water vapor, a shank functional layer arranged on the inside thereof, for example in the form of a shaft membrane 25, and the inside of a shaft lining 27 on. In both cases, the shaft bottom 19 has a three-layered shaft bottom membrane laminate 33, which has as a center layer the shaft bottom membrane 21, on one surface of which a supporting textile layer 35 and on the other surface thereof a support mesh 37. It is also possible to use a shank-type membrane laminate with a different number of layers, for example a two-layer laminate. In both cases, the entire shaft bottom 19 (FIG. 2) or an insole 29 of the shaft bottom 19 is connected by means of a seam 31 (eg, stitch seam or zigzag seam) to a bottom end region of the shaft membrane 25 and shaft lining 27 on the sole side.

However, these two embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 differ in the structure of the respective shaft bottom 19 and in the structure of the respective sole unit 15. In addition, these two embodiments differ in terms of the connection between Schaftan- order 22 and sole unit 15th

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the function of an insole 29, because of its function of mounting the lower shaft end in the desired shape, often also called a mounting sole, is formed by the three-day shaft bottom membrane laminate 33. In this embodiment, the sole-side lower end of the upper upper material 23 stops at a predetermined distance in front of the seam 31, forming a supernatant of the sole-side lower end of the upper membrane 25 opposite the lower side of the upper material 23. This distance between upper 23 and seam 31 is bridged by means of a permeable for liquid plastic mesh belt 39.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has a sole unit 15, which is constructed with an outsole layer 41 whose lower surface is formed as a running or stepping surface 42 and which has a recess 43 on its upper side remote from the tread surface 42 which leads to a reduction in the thickness of the outsole layer 41 in the region of this recess 43. The outsole layer 41 is in the region of this recess 43 with outsole ply openings extending through the thickness of the outsole layer 41 there. provided gene 45 to cause a water vapor permeability of the outsole layer 41. These outsole layer passage openings 45 are made as large as possible in order to achieve a correspondingly high water vapor permeability of the outsole layer 41 and thus of the sole unit 15. In the recess 43 is at least a portion of a barrier layer 47 as a mechanical protection for the shaft bottom membrane 21 against damage by foreign bodies, such as stones, which reach the Laufsohienlagendurchgangsöffnungen 45. This barrier layer 47 is constructed in one embodiment with the already mentioned thermally bonded fiber material, so that it can be additionally formed as a mechanical protection for the shaft bottom membrane 21 as a stabilizing material for the sole unit 15. In the recess 43 and on the upper side of the barrier layer 47 is a comfort layer 49, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is provided with comfort layer passage openings 51 extending through the thickness of the comfort layer 49, for example because the comfort layer 49 is impermeable to water vapor - Sige material is constructed. Depending on whether by means of the comfort layer 49 a weight reduction of the sole unit 15, a foot cushion improved walking comfort or both is to be achieved, a material is used for the comfort layer 49, which is lighter than the material of the outsole layer, softer than the material of the outsole layer or both are. If good foot cushioning is to be achieved, EVA is suitable as a material for comfort. If a weight reduction compared to the run sole layer material is to be achieved, a foamed plastic with correspondingly low specific weight is suitable. If both improved cushioning and weight reduction are to be achieved with respect to the outsole sheet material, foamed EVA is suitable, for example. But there are many other material variants that can be used

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is designed in particular for footwear with an attached outsole. In shoe production, the material of the outsole layer 41 is applied by means of an injection mold (not shown) which can be attached to the underside of the shaft arrangement 22 and into which the barrier layer 47 and the comfort layer 49 have been inserted prior to the injection molding process. material of an outsole layer or another sole layer, for example a midsole, molded on the shaft bottom 21 such that on the one hand the shape shown in FIG. 2 for the outsole layer 41 results with the side raised peripheral edge and on the other hand the molded outsole material extends laterally so far that it can penetrate to the bottom side of the upper upper material 23 and through the net 39 through the lower end region of the upper membrane 23, which is behind the net band 39 and not covered by the upper material 23, at this point a watertight connection between the outer sole layer 41 and the upper membrane 25 and, on the other hand, to produce a watertight connection between the stem membrane 25 and the stem bottom membrane 21 via the seam 31. Since only the support mesh 37, but not the support textile layer 35 can be penetrated by liquid sole material so far that the liquid sole material can penetrate to the shaft bottom membrane 21 and seal it, in this embodiment, the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 is arranged such that its support network 37 on the after bottom side facing the shaft bottom membrane 21 is located.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the outsole layer 41 and the comfort layer 49 per through openings 45 and 51, which not only have the same size but also aligned with each other, so overlap a maximum. As a result, a particularly high water vapor permeability of the sole unit 15 is achieved. In many cases, however, it will also be sufficient for the outsole-layer through-openings 45 and the comfort-layer through-openings 51 to overlap only partially, for example in order to be able to realize different topographies of outsole layer 41 and comfort layer 49. It is only important that, with respect to the outsole position passage openings 45 and the comfort layer passage openings 51, a minimum overlap is ensured in order to ensure a water vapor permeability of the sole unit 15. In this embodiment, the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 is directed so that the support network 37 downwards, ie to the sole unit 15, which is penetratable by liquid injection molding material on the sole. Therefore, this liquid sole material penetrates, which as shown in Figure 2 a net band 39, the seam 31 and a peripheral portion of the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 comprising area flows both through the net 39 to the corresponding region of the shaft membrane and through the support network 37 through to the corresponding region of the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 to these two To seal areas, including the seam 31 in the sealing process.

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is designed for glued outsoles. Therefore, between the shaft bottom diaphragm 21 and the shaft diaphragm 25 of this embodiment, a watertight connection is provided in a manner different from the embodiment shown in FIG. Moreover, the shaft bottom 19 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 differs from the shaft bottom 19 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the insole function is not taken over by a shaft bottom membrane laminate but by an insole 29 or mounting sole provided in addition to the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33, which fits with the shaft membrane 25 and the lining 27 is connected by a seam 31, which again may be a stitching seam or a zig-zag seam. In this embodiment, a sole side lower end portion of the shaft diaphragm 25 and a peripheral portion of the shaft bottom diaphragm 21 are waterproofly connected to each other by means of a sealant adhesive 53. Since it is also true for this sealing adhesive 53 that it can penetrate only the supporting net 37 but not the supporting textile layer 35 as far as the shaft bottom membrane 21 in order to seal it, in this embodiment the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 is reversely oriented with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. in such a way that, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the supporting net 37 is located on the upper side and the supporting textile layer 35 is located on the lower side of the shaft bottom membrane 21. In this case, the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 is located on the underside of the insole 29, ie on the side facing the sole unit 15 side of the insole 29. The sealing adhesive 53 also serves to attach the Schaftbodenmembranlaminats 33 to the shaft assembly 22 so that no additional adhesive is required. In this embodiment according to FIG. 3, the sole-side lower upper end region is pinched by means of a Zwick adhesive 55 onto the underside of the peripheral edge of the upper of the shaft membrane laminate 33. In this embodiment, the outsole layer 41 of the sole unit 15 is glued to the sole-side lower end region of the upper upper material 23 and at least partially to a peripheral region of the upper bottom 19 by means of a sole adhesive 57 applied to a peripheral region of the upper side of the outsole layer 41.

The sole unit 15 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the sole unit 15 shown in FIG. 2 on the one hand by the shape of the outsole layer parts located between the outsole layer through openings 45, which form the shape of studs in the case of FIG. 2 and the shape of FIG have narrower webs. For the function of the sole unit 15 and the function of the shoe 11 as a whole, this is of secondary importance. If, in both cases, total surface areas of the same size come together from all outsole-layer passage openings 45, this leads to substantially the same water vapor permeability. ^'

While the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has a comfort layer 49 with commode through openings 51, for example because this comfort layer 49 consists of a material which is not permeable to water vapor, a comfort layer 49 is shown schematically in the embodiment shown in FIG permeable to water vapor, which is, for example, a textile layer, for example of a multi-ply textile with staggered layers of mesh.

In the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the insole function of the shaft bottom membrane laminate 33 (FIG. 2) or insole 29 is connected to the lower end of the shaft by means of the stitching seam 31, which is why one often speaks of a strobel insole in such a case. For the illustrations in Figures 2 and 3 applies equally that the schematic cross-sectional view is only partial insofar as only a left-side shaft portion and a shaft bottom are shown for simplicity for the shaft assembly, but not a right-sided shaft part, which is thought got to.

Figures 4 and 5 each show only a sole unit 15, which can be connected to a shaft assembly, which can be as needed to the shaft assembly of Figure 2 or the shaft assembly of Figure 3 or a similar shaft assembly. Characteristic of the sole units 15 of Figures 4 and 5 is that, unlike the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the comfort layer passage openings 51 do not extend vertically to the tread surface 42 outsole layer 41 but at an oblique angle to the tread surface 42. While in FIG 4 all convenience layer passage openings 51 extend in the same oblique direction, in FIG. 5 the convenience layer passage openings 51 located there on the left and the convenience layer passage openings 51 located there on the right have differently directed oblique angles. In this way, one can approach the edge of the recess 43 of the running sole layer 41 with the comfort position passage openings 51 on both sides, as would be possible on the edge of one side, if the oblique angles of all the comfort position passage openings 51 point in the same direction in the case of FIG. 4.

In the embodiments with obliquely directed comfort passage openings 51, the oblique angles, the thickness of the comfort layer 51 and the diameters of the comfort layer passage openings 51 are to be matched to each other so as to give inclined wall parts of the comfort layer passage openings 51 which oppose the penetration of foreign matter in the direction perpendicular to the tread surface 42 and the barrier layer 45 no clear width of the comfort layer through holes 51 are in which a foreign body, which should be able to penetrate the barrier layer 45, without further obstacle, the Komfortiage 51 can happen. As already mentioned, the comfort layer 41 may be formed as an air-permeable layer in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure. Exemplary embodiments thereof are shown in FIGS. 6 to 10.

In the embodiment of a comfort layer 49 shown in FIG. 6, which is constructed with a spacer structure 60 suitable as an air-permeable layer 40, approximately hemispherical projections or bulges 65 bulge upward from a lower surface 64, whose upper peaks define an upper support surface. In one embodiment, this spacer structure 60 consists of an initially flat knitted fabric or of a solid material which, after being brought into the shape shown, is so stiff or stiffened, for example by a deep-drawing process, that it forms this shape under the Maintains load which it is exposed when walking with a shoe having a sole unit 15 equipped with this distance structure. In addition to a deep-drawing process, further measures can be used, namely deformation and stiffening by a thermoforming process or impregnation with a synthetic resin curing to the desired shape and rigidity.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a comfort layer 51 which is constructed with a suitable air-permeable layer 40 spacers 60, the upper and lower support surface are formed by two mutually parallel air-permeable sheets 62 and 64, for example, from the group of polyolefins, polyamides or polyester are selected, wherein the sheets 62 and 64 are interconnected by supporting fibers 66 air-permeable and spaced at the same time. At least a portion of the fibers 66 are disposed as spacers at least approximately perpendicularly between the sheets 62 and 64. The fibers 66 are made of a flexible, deformable material such as polyester or polypropylene. The air may flow through the sheets 62 and 64 and between the fibers 66. The fabrics 62 and 64 are open-pored woven, knitted fabrics or knitted textile materials. Such a spacer fabric 60 may be a spacer fabric available from Tylex or Müller Textil.

The spacer structure 60 shown in Fig. 8 has a structure similar to the spacer structure shown in Fig. 6, but consists of a knit of knitted or knitted filaments which have been formed into this shape and solidified by, for example, a thermal process or impregnation with synthetic resin in this form are.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a spacer structure 60 with a zigzag or sawtooth profile to which an initially flat material has been formed such that the upper and lower vertices 60a and 60b define the upper and lower bearing surfaces of this spacer structure 60, respectively. Also, the spacer 60 of this shape can be formed by the already mentioned methods and solidified to the desired stiffness.

FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a spacer structure 60 which is suitable as an air-permeable layer 40 which is useful for the comfort layer 51 according to the invention. In this embodiment, spacers are formed by the single bottom sheet 68 not by protrusions or protrusions but by tufts 70 which are upstanding from the sheet 68 and whose top free ends together define the top support surface. The tufts 70 can be applied by flocking the lower fabric 68.

Claims

claims

A water vapor permeable sole unit (15) comprising: one constructed with an outsole material, possibly one

A plurality of outsole ply (41) formed of and / or provided with outsole portions formed thereunder, which reduce in thickness within a peripheral region by means of a recess (43) extending from an upper surface of the outsole ply (41) and having outsole ply apertures extending through the thickness thereof (45) is provided, a at least partially in the recess (43) of the outsole layer (41) arranged only over a partial height of the recess (43) extending water vapor-permeable barrier layer (47) constructed with a formed against a pushing against foreign bodies barrier material is; and a water vapor permeable comfort layer (49) disposed above the barrier layer (47) in the recess (43) and constructed with a comfort layer material having a lower hardness and / or lower specific gravity than the outsole material.

2. sole unit according to claim 1, the comfort layer (49) is constructed with a water vapor permeable material.

3. sole unit according to claim 2, the comfort layer (49) is constructed with a selected from the group of materials leather, open-cell foam material, water vapor permeable textile knitted fabric, water vapor permeable textile nonwoven fabric, water vapor permeable felted goods and combinations thereof.

4. sole unit according to claim 3, the comfort layer (49) is constructed with a multi-layered knit with mutually offset staggered stitches.

5. sole unit according to claim 3 or 4, the comfort layer (49) is constructed with water vapor permeable textile material which is at least partially selected from the material group polyamide, polyester and polypropylene plastic material.

6. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, the Komfort- läge (49) is provided with its thickness extending comfort layer passage openings (51) which overlap at least partially with the Laufsohlenlagendurchgangsöffnungen (45).

7. A sole unit according to claim 1, wherein said comfort layer (49) is constructed with a non-water vapor permeable material and provided with comfort layer passage openings (51) extending through the thickness thereof at least partially overlapping with said outsole layer passage openings (45).

8. sole unit according to claim 7, whose comfort position (49) with one of the

Material group polyurethane (PU) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) selected plastic, unfoamed or foamed, is constructed.

9. sole unit according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the passage openings of the comfort layer (49) with respect to a tread of the

Sole unit (15) extend through the comfort layer (49) at such an oblique angle that oblique wall parts of the comfort layer through-holes (51) result, which oppose the penetration of foreign bodies.

10. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the outsole layer passage openings (45) and / or the comfort layer passage openings (51) has an area of at least 0.5 cm ² .

11.. The sole unit according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the outsole-layer passageway openings (45) and the comfort-layer passageway openings (51) has an area of at least 5 cm ² .

12. The sole unit according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the outsole-layer passage openings (45) and the comfort-layer passage openings (51) has an area of at least 20 cm ² .

13. The sole unit according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the outsole-layer passage openings (45) and the comfort-layer passage openings (51) has an area of at least 40 cm ² .

14. Sole unit according to claim 1, the comfort layer (49) with an air-permeable layer (40) in the form of an air-permeable spacer structure (60) is formed.

15. Sole unit according to claim 14, whose air-permeable spacer structure (60) comprises a fabric (62) and a plurality of spacer elements (65, 66) extending away from the fabric (62) perpendicularly and / or at an angle between 0 ° and 90 °. having.

16. Sole unit according to claim 15, wherein the spacer formations (60), the spacer elements (65) are formed as knobs.

17. Sole unit according to claim 14, wherein the air-permeable spacer structure (60) with two mutually parallel planar structures (62, 64) is constructed and the two sheets (62, 64) by means of the spacer elements (66) air-permeable interconnected and held at a distance are.

18. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 14 to 17, whose spacing structure (60) is constructed with a consolidated knitted fabric.

19. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, whose distance structure (60) is wave-shaped or sawtooth-shaped.

20. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 1 to 19, whose Barrie-o relage (47) for a mechanical stabilization of the sole unit (15) is formed.

21. sole unit according to at least one of claims 1 to 20, whose barrier layer (47) is constructed with a fiber composite with at least two fiber components 5, which differ in their melting temperature, wherein at least a portion of a first fiber component, a first melting temperature and one below Having at least a portion of a second fiber component has a second melting temperature and an underlying second softening o temperature range and the first melting temperature and the first

Softening temperature range are higher than the second melting temperature and the second softening temperature range, and wherein the fiber composite is thermally bonded due to thermal activation of the second fiber component with a lying in the second softening temperature range 5 adhesive softening temperature while maintaining water vapor permeability in the thermally consolidated range.

22. Sole unit according to at least one of claims 1 to 21, whose outsole layer (41) is constructed with a material consisting of the material group rubber, PU (polyurethane), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) , TR (technical rubber) and leather or combinations thereof.

23. Footwear with a shaft arrangement (22) which has a shaft bottom (19) provided with a shaft bottom functional layer (21) and thus watertight and permeable to water vapor, and with a sole unit (15) connected to a sole end region of the shaft arrangement (22) ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 22.

24. Footwear according to claim 23, whose shaft (13) is provided with a shank functional layer (25) which is connected in a watertight manner to the shaft bottom functional layer (21), so that the footwear as a whole is waterproof and permeable to water vapor.